Spirit Dancer will follow a similar path to his successful Middle Eastern campaign last winter, starting with a prep race at Newmarket before embarking on his globe-trotting adventure.
The seven-year-old, racing in the red and white silks of Sir Alex Ferguson, earned over £1.7 million with victories in the Bahrain International Trophy last November and the Neom Turf Cup in Riyadh in February. His most recent outing was at Meydan for the Longines Dubai Sheema Classic in March, where he finished 11th of 12 runners.
After sustaining an injury in Dubai, Spirit Dancer’s return has been slightly delayed. Trainer Richard Fahey has mapped out a plan for his return, with a Group Three run at Newmarket in October, similar to last year when he finished fourth behind Highland Avenue.
Fahey is focusing primarily on the Middle Eastern races, aiming to defend Spirit Dancer’s titles. "He’s in good shape after a rest and has been cantering for two months," Fahey said. "The plan is to run him at Newmarket in the Darley Stakes and then head back to Bahrain.
"He had a tough year and needed a break, so we’ll stick to a mile and a quarter for now, despite an inconclusive trial at a mile and a half."